Airfix 1/35 Panzer III Ausf J Tank Kit

One of the most famous tanks of the Second World War, the Panzer III was actually only available in relatively small numbers at the time of the German invasion of Poland, with around 180 tanks supplementing the more numerous, faster, and lighter Panzer I and II tanks. Despite the popular misconception that Germany began the war having placed huge investments in tank production, much of the early burden of mechanized Blitzkrieg was born by smaller, lighter tanks and captured vehicles pressed into Wehrmacht service. The Panzer III Ausf (model) J was a later production development of this famous tank and one which represented quite an advancement over earlier models. A slightly redesigned hull allowed for the addition of increased armor protection and a new gun mantlet facilitated the installation of the more powerful 50 mm KwK 38 L42 gun, although these modifications did take far too long to develop. By the time this variant of Panzer III entered service with Panzer Divisions on the East